A recent leak has revealed that OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent might soon be able to control users’ web browsers, signaling a dramatic step forward in AI automation.
What’s New?
The leak highlights hidden code and UI elements suggesting ChatGPT could soon operate inside a special browser, allowing the agent to:
- Open and close tabs,
- Fill forms,
- Automate browsing tasks,
- And even navigate websites on your behalf.
Currently, ChatGPT Agent interacts with the web through a remote, cloud-based virtual machine. The new approach hints at direct, local browser integration, possibly launching first on macOS in a Chromium-based OpenAI browser.
The Role of Comet Browser
This development is part of a larger trend involving AI-native browsers like Comet, developed by Perplexity AI. Comet is a Chromium-based AI-powered browser that allows users to automate tasks, control tabs, and manage workflows through AI commands.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent and Perplexity’s Comet are direct competitors in the emerging space of agentic AI browsers—tools designed to let AI actively operate the browser, going beyond passive chat assistance to complete real-world tasks automatically.
Why Does This Matter?
- Seamless Automation: Users could delegate complex web tasks (research, bookings, and even shopping) to ChatGPT.
- Increased Productivity: Repetitive or multi-step activities could be handled quickly and with less user effort.
- Safety & Privacy Questions: This newfound power raises concerns about data privacy, consent, and the potential risks of AI acting on a user’s behalf—especially if the agent can access open tabs or personal info in real time.
When Is It Coming?
While Agent mode is already available with cloud execution, the leaked features and toggles for local browser control signal that a broader rollout could be imminent. OpenAI’s official documentation and reports from multiple tech news outlets confirm development is underway, but a general release date is still unknown.
Bottom Line
OpenAI is preparing to let ChatGPT Agents control users’ browsers, opening new possibilities for automation—but also starting important discussions about transparency and user control in the age of agentic AI. Alongside rivals like Comet, this heralds a new era where AI becomes a proactive assistant in our digital lives.
